Lithuania declares emergency: Belarusian balloons threaten airspace, disrupt flights

• Lithuania declared a national emergency due to balloons from Belarus repeatedly entering its airspace.
• The balloons pose a serious security risk, disrupting civil aviation, forcing the closure of the main airport, and stranding thousands of passengers.
• Officials stated the balloons are used for smuggling contraband, threatening human life, property, and the environment.
• The incident exacerbates regional tensions, with increased drone incursions into NATO airspace and ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
• Lithuania, a NATO member, faces escalating tensions with Russia-backed Belarus.

Why It Matters: Lithuania's emergency over Belarus balloons shows rising security threats and air disruption.